Terminology

This page is a list of technical terms that I use throughout my blog. If you ever come across something that throws you off, try to find it in here. If you still can’t find it, message me or leave a comment.

Open-Source – A specific type of programming method were the software code is freely open to view and edit. Changes to the code is often encouraged and can be submitted to the developing team. This creates a community created program. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source

Linux – An OS which is based on the Open Source mentality. Linux is composed of a variety of unique “flavors” called distros. Every Linux distro is based an a version of the Linux kernel and the GNU command package. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux

Kernel – This is the bridge between computer hardware and software. Each OS has its own unique kernel. The Windows kernel was originally developed in MS-DOS, and Mac OS uses a hybrid Kernel called XNU. The Linux kernel is maintained by its original creator Linus Torvalds. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(computing)

Arduino – The Arduino is a collection of Micro-Controller boards based on the Open Source mind set which the developers refer to as “Open Hardware”. Arduino is also knows for it’s easy to use programming interface and simple setup. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arduino

RAM – The hardware component of a computer that stores the short-term memory. This is a major component of your computer’s speed. 32bit operating systems can only utilize around 4 Gigabytes of RAM and is commonly limited to only 2.9 Gb. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/64-bit

Processor (CPU) – The hardware component where the majority of the binary number crunching is done. This component is also another major player in the computers speed. Modern CPU’s are made up of multiple Cores which can calculate numbers simultaneously. The speed of CPU’s are commonly measured in frequency and usually range from 1-3 GHz. The record speed of a CPU is 8.2 GHz. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cpu#Clock_rate, http://valid.canardpc.com/records.php